Sakura Bergenia
Sakura Bergenia
Double Cherry-Blossom Pink Over Glossy Evergreen Leaves
Sakura Bergenia (Bergenia 'Sakura') is a refined newer selection of the tough, leathery-leaved perennial known as pigsqueak. In spring it sends up clusters of fully double, cherry-blossom-pink flowers above bold, glossy rounded leaves that stay evergreen and flush burgundy in winter. Adaptable from sun to shade, deer-resistant, and reliably hardy, it offers four-season structure for borders and edges in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Sakura Bergenia Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Bergenia 'Sakura' |
| Mature Size | 12–16 in. tall, 14–18 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Full sun to full shade (very adaptable) |
| Bloom Time | Mid to late spring |
| Flower Color | Double cherry-blossom pink |
| Soil | Adaptable — tolerates clay; prefers moist, rich soil |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to -30°F; evergreen foliage turns burgundy in winter |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed by deer or rabbits |
| Foliage | Bold, glossy, leathery; evergreen with winter color |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Four-season edging: Its bold evergreen leaves give structure year-round and burgundy winter color, with double pink spring flowers. Space 14–18 inches apart.
Versatile sun-to-shade beds: One of the few perennials happy in both. Pair with hostas, heuchera, and spring bulbs.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September). Adaptable to most soils; keep moist through establishment.
How to Plant Sakura Bergenia
Dig a hole twice the root ball width at the same depth, mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch 2 inches deep. Space 14–18 inches apart.
Watering Sakura Bergenia
First year: Water every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Prefers steady moisture but tolerates short dry spells; water during droughts.
Q: Why is it called pigsqueak?
Rubbing a leaf between your fingers makes a squeaking sound — a fun trait of bergenia.
Q: Does it stay evergreen in Minnesota?
The leathery leaves persist through winter, often turning rich burgundy — valuable winter interest, though they may flatten under snow and green up again in spring.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Easily — hardy to zone 3.
Q: Sun or shade?
Both — bergenia is unusually adaptable, thriving from full sun to full shade with adequate moisture.
You May Also Like
Red Bloom Bergenia (Bergenia): A rose-red-flowered pigsqueak with the same tough nature.
Hosta: A bold-leaved shade companion.
Heuchera (Coral Bells): Colorful foliage to pair at the border front.